Methods, systems, and apparatuses for telematics navigation

ABSTRACT

Provided are methods, systems, and apparatuses for telematics navigation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.60/927,433 filed May 3, 2007, herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, provided are methods, systems, and apparatuses fortelematics navigation.

Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows or may be learned by practice. The advantages will be realizedand attained by means of the elements and combinations particularlypointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both theforegoing general description and the following detailed description areexemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the methods and systems:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of an exemplary apparatus;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary system;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary user interface;

FIG. 4 is an process flow for a voice response menu system;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary operating environment for disclosed methods;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for telematicsnavigation;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating another exemplary methodtelematics navigation;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating another exemplary method fortelematics navigation;

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for telematicsnavigation;

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating another exemplary method fortelematics navigation;

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method fortelematics navigation;

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating another exemplary method fortelematics navigation;

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method fortelematics navigation;

FIG. 14 is an exemplary apparatus; and

FIG. 15 is an exemplary system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed anddescribed, it is to be understood that the methods, systems, andapparatuses are not limited to specific synthetic methods, specificcomponents, or to particular compositions, as such may, of course, vary.It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended tobe limiting.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” oneparticular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When sucha range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the oneparticular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, whenvalues are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent“about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms anotherembodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each ofthe ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, andindependently of the other endpoint.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described eventor circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includesinstances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where itdoes not.

The present methods, systems, and apparatuses may be understood morereadily by reference to the following detailed description of preferredembodiments and the Examples included therein and to the Figures andtheir previous and following description.

Provided are methods, systems, and apparatuses that can utilize GPScapabilities and two-way in-vehicle data communications between an incar device and a telematics operations center. The methods, systems, andapparatuses enable various navigation solutions. The methods, systems,and apparatuses can comprise on-board navigation, off-board navigation,and/or a hybrid navigation approach. On-board navigation can comprisesystems that store map data, location data, and can determine routinginformation in an apparatus installed in a vehicle or handheld.Off-board navigation can comprise systems wherein map data, locationdata, and routing determination capability is on a remote server andnecessary map data, location data, and determined routes can betransmitted to an apparatus installed in a vehicle or handheld. A hybridnavigation system can comprise systems that store map and location dataon an apparatus installed in a vehicle or handheld, with updates to themap and location data provided by a remote server. In a hybridnavigation system, routing can be performed on the apparatus or at theremote server. Provided are methods of utilizing a telematics system anda navigation system, also referred to as a telematics navigation system.

In one aspect, provided is an apparatus comprising a telematics unit.The apparatus can be installed in a vehicle. Such vehicles include, butare not limited to, personal and commercial automobiles, motorcycles,transport vehicles, watercraft, aircraft, and the like. For example, anentire fleet of a vehicle manufacturer's vehicles can be equipped withthe apparatus. The apparatus 101 is also referred to herein as the VTU101. The apparatus can perform any of the methods disclosed herein inpart and/or in their entireties.

All components of the telematics unit can be contained within a singlebox and controlled with a single core processing subsystem or can becomprised of components distributed throughout a vehicle. Each of thecomponents of the apparatus can be separate subsystems of the vehicle,for example, a communications component such as a SDARS, or othersatellite receiver, can be coupled with an entertainment system of thevehicle.

An exemplary apparatus 101 is illustrated in FIG. 1. This exemplaryapparatus is only an example of an apparatus and is not intended tosuggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality ofoperating architecture. Neither should the apparatus be necessarilyinterpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any oneor combination of components illustrated in the exemplary apparatus. Theapparatus 101 can comprise one or more communications components.Apparatus 101 illustrates communications components (modules) PCS/CellModem 102 and SDARS receiver 103. These components can be referred to asvehicle mounted transceivers when located in a vehicle. PCS/Cell Modem102 can operate on any frequency available in the country of operation,including, but not limited to, the 850/1900 MHz cellular and PCSfrequency allocations. The type of communications can include, but isnot limited to GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, 1×RTT or EV-DO. The PCS/Cell Modem 102can be a Wi-Fi or mobile WIMAX implementation that can support operationon both licensed and unlicensed wireless frequencies. The apparatus 101can comprise an SDARS receiver 103 or other satellite receiver. SDARSreceiver 103 can utilize high powered satellites operating at, forexample, 2.35 GHz to broadcast digital content to automobiles and someterrestrial receivers, generally demodulated for audio content, but cancontain digital data streams.

PCS/Cell Modem 102 and SDARS receiver 103 can be used to update anonboard database 112 contained within the apparatus 101. Updating can berequested by the apparatus 101, or updating can occur automatically. Forexample, database updates can be performed using FM subcarrier, cellulardata download, other satellite technologies, Wi-Fi and the like. SDARSdata downloads can provide the most flexibility and lowest cost bypulling digital data from an existing receiver that exists forentertainment purposes. An SDARS data stream is not a channelizedimplementation (like AM or FM radio) but a broadband implementation thatprovides a single data stream that is separated into useful andapplicable components.

GPS receiver 104 can receive position information from a constellationof satellites operated by the U.S. Department of Defense. Alternately,the GPS receiver 104 can be a GLONASS receiver operated by the RussianFederation Ministry of Defense, or any other positioning device capableof providing accurate location information (for example, LORAN, inertialnavigation, and the like). GPS receiver 104 can contain additionallogic, either software, hardware or both to receive the Wide AreaAugmentation System (WAAS) signals, operated by the Federal AviationAdministration, to correct dithering errors and provide the mostaccurate location possible. Overall accuracy of the positioningequipment subsystem containing WAAS is generally in the two meter range.Optionally, the apparatus 101 can comprise a MEMS gyro 105 for measuringangular rates and wheel tick inputs for determining the exact positionbased on dead-reckoning techniques. This functionality is useful fordetermining accurate locations in metropolitan urban canyons, heavilytree-lined streets and tunnels.

In an aspect, the GPS receiver 104 can activate on ignition or start ofmotion. The GPS receiver 104 can go into idle on ignition off or afterten minutes without motion. Time to first fix can be <45 s 90% of thetime. For example, this can be achieved either through chipset selectionor periodic wake-up.

One or more processors 106 can control the various components of theapparatus 101. Processor 106 can be coupled to removable/non-removable,volatile/non-volatile computer storage media. By way of example, FIG. 1illustrates memory 107, coupled to the processor 106, which can providenon-volatile storage of computer code, computer readable instructions,data structures, program modules, and other data for the computer 101.For example and not meant to be limiting, memory 107 can be a hard disk,a removable magnetic disk, a removable optical disk, magnetic cassettesor other magnetic storage devices, flash memory cards, CD-ROM, digitalversatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, random access memories(RAM), read only memories (ROM), electrically erasable programmableread-only memory (EEPROM), and the like. Data obtained and/or determinedby processor 106 can be displayed to a vehicle occupant and/ortransmitted to a remote processing center. This transmission can occurover a wired or a wireless network. For example, the transmission canutilize PCS/Cell Modem 102 to transmit the data. The data can be routedthrough the Internet where it can be accessed, displayed andmanipulated.

The processing of the disclosed systems and methods can be performed bysoftware components. The disclosed system and method can be described inthe general context of computer-executable instructions, such as programmodules, being executed by one or more computers or other devices.Generally, program modules comprise computer code, routines, programs,objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasksor implement particular abstract data types. The disclosed method canalso be practiced in grid-based and distributed computing environmentswhere tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linkedthrough a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules can be located in both local and remotecomputer storage media including memory storage devices.

The methods and systems can employ Artificial Intelligence techniquessuch as machine learning and iterative learning. Examples of suchtechniques include, but are not limited to, expert systems, case basedreasoning, Bayesian networks, behavior based AI, neural networks, fuzzysystems, evolutionary computation (e.g. genetic algorithms), swarmintelligence (e.g. ant algorithms), and hybrid intelligent systems (e.g.Expert inference rules generated through a neural network or productionrules from statistical learning).

Any number of program modules can be stored on the memory 107, includingby way of example, an operating system 113 and reporting software 114.Each of the operating system 113 and reporting software 114 (or somecombination thereof) can comprise elements of the programming and thereporting software 114. Data can also be stored on the memory 107 indatabase 112. Database 112 can be any of one or more databases known inthe art. Examples of such databases comprise, DB2®, Microsoft® Access,Microsoft® SQL Server, Oracle®, mySQL, PostgreSQL, and the like. Thedatabase 112 can be centralized or distributed across multiple systems.

In some aspects, data can be stored and transmitted in loss-lesscompressed form and the data can be tamper-proof. Non-limiting examplesof data that can be collected are as follows. After a connection isestablished the protocol being used can be stored. A timestamp can berecorded on ignition for one or more trips. Speed every second duringthe trip. Crash events can be stored (for example, as approximated viaOBD II speed). By way of example, GPS related data that can be recordedduring one or more trips can comprise one or more of, time, latitude,longitude, altitude, speed, heading, horizontal dilution of precision(HDOP), number of satellites locked, and the like. In one aspect,recorded data can be transmitted from the apparatus to a back-office forintegrity verification and then via, for example, a cellular network.Once validated, data can be pushed to a company via establishedweb-services & protocols.

By way of example, the operating system 113 can be a Linux (Unix-like)operating system. One feature of Linux is that it includes a set of “C”programming language functions referred to as “NDBM”. NDBM is an API formaintaining key/content pairs in a database which allows for quickaccess to relatively static information. NDBM functions use a simplehashing function to allow a programmer to store keys and data in datatables and rapidly retrieve them based upon the assigned key. A majorconsideration for an NDBM database is that it only stores simple dataelements (bytes) and requires unique keys to address each entry in thedatabase. NDBM functions provide a solution that is among the fastestand most scalable for small processors.

It is recognized that such programs and components reside at varioustimes in different storage components of the apparatus 101, and areexecuted by the processor 106 of the apparatus 101. An implementation ofreporting software 114 can be stored on or transmitted across some formof computer readable media. Computer readable media can be any availablemedia that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and notmeant to be limiting, computer readable media can comprise “computerstorage media” and “communications media.” “Computer storage media”comprise volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storage of information suchas computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, orother data. Exemplary computer storage media comprises, but is notlimited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology,CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store thedesired information and which can be accessed by a computer.

FIG. 1 illustrates system memory 108, coupled to the processor 106,which can comprise computer readable media in the form of volatilememory, such as random access memory (RAM, SDRAM, and the like), and/ornon-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM). The system memory108 typically contains data and/or program modules such as operatingsystem 113 and reporting software 114 that are immediately accessible toand/or are presently operated on by the processor 106. The operatingsystem 113 can comprise a specialized task dispatcher, slicing availablebandwidth among the necessary tasks at hand, including communicationsmanagement, position determination and management, entertainment radiomanagement, SDARS data demodulation and assessment, power control, andvehicle communications.

The processor 106 can control additional components within the apparatus101 to allow for ease of integration into vehicle systems. The processor106 can control power to the components within the apparatus 101, forexample, shutting off GPS receiver 104 and SDARS receiver 103 when thevehicle is inactive, and alternately shutting off the PCS/Cell Modem 102to conserve the vehicle battery when the vehicle is stationary for longperiods of inactivity. The processor 106 can also control an audio/videoentertainment subsystem 109 and comprise a stereo codec and multiplexer110 for providing entertainment audio and video to the vehicleoccupants, for providing wireless communications audio (PCS/Cell phoneaudio), speech recognition from the driver compartment for manipulatingthe SDARS receiver 103 and PCS/Cell Modem 102 phone dialing, and text tospeech and pre-recorded audio for vehicle status annunciation.

The apparatus 101 can interface and monitor various vehicle systems andsensors to determine vehicle conditions. Apparatus 101 can interfacewith a vehicle through a vehicle interface 111. The vehicle interface111 can include, but is not limited to, OBD (On Board Diagnostics) port,OBD-II port, CAN (Controller Area Network) port, and the like. A cablecan be used to connect the vehicle interface 111 to a vehicle. Any typeof cable capable of connecting to a vehicle diagnostics port can beused. In one aspect, an OBD II connector cable can be used that followsthe J1962 trapezoidal connector specification, the J1939 or J1708 roundconnector specifications, and the like. A communication protocol suchas, J1850 PWM, J1850 VPW, IS09141-2, ISO 14230-4, and the like can beused to collect data through the vehicle interface 111. The vehicleinterface 111, allows the apparatus 101 to receive data indicative ofvehicle performance, such as vehicle trouble codes, operatingtemperatures, operating pressures, speed, fuel air mixtures, oilquality, oil and coolant temperatures, wiper and light usage, mileage,break pad conditions, and any data obtained from any discrete sensorthat contributes to the operation of the vehicle engine and drive-traincomputer. Additionally CAN interfacing can eliminate individualdedicated inputs to determine brake usage, backup status, and it canallow reading of onboard sensors in certain vehicle stability controlmodules providing gyro outputs, steering wheel position, accelerometerforces and the like for determining driving characteristics. Theapparatus 101 can interface directly with a vehicle subsystem or asensor, such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, airbag deployment computer,and the like. Data obtained from, and processed data derived from, thevarious vehicle systems and sensors can be transmitted to a centralmonitoring station via the PCS/Cell Modem 102.

Communication with a vehicle driver can be through an infotainment(radio) head (not shown) or other display device (not shown). More thanone display device can be used. Examples of display devices include, butare not limited to, a monitor, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), aprojector, and the like. Audio/video entertainment subsystem 109 cancomprise a radio receiver, FM, AM, Satellite, Digital and the like.Audio/video entertainment subsystem 109 can comprise one or more mediaplayers. An example of a media player includes, but is not limited to,audio cassettes, compact discs, DVD's, Blu-ray, HD-DVDs, Mini-Discs,flash memory, portable audio players, hard disks, game systems, and thelike. Audio/video entertainment subsystem 109 can comprise a userinterface for controlling various functions. The user interface cancomprise buttons, dials, and/or switches. In certain embodiments, theuser interface can comprise a display screen. The display screen can bea touch screen. The display screen can be used to provide informationabout the particular entertainment being delivered to an occupant,including, but not limited to Radio Data System (RDS) information, ID3tag information, video, and various control functionality (such as next,previous, pause, etc. . . . ), websites, and the like. Audio/videoentertainment subsystem 109 can utilize wired or wireless techniques tocommunicate to various consumer electronics including, but not limitedto, cellular phones, laptops, PDAs, portable audio players (such as aniPod), and the like. Audio/video entertainment subsystem 109 can becontrolled remotely through, for example, a wireless remote control,voice commands, and the like.

The methods, systems, and apparatuses provided can utilize a powermanagement scheme ensuring that a consumer's car battery is not impairedunder normal operating conditions. This can include battery backupsupport when the vehicle is off in order to support various wake-up andkeep-alive tasks. All data collected subsequent to the last acknowledgeddownload can be maintained in non-volatile memory until the apparatus isreconnected to an external power source. At that point, the apparatuscan self re-initialize and resume normal operation. Specific batterychemistry can optimize life/charge cycles. The battery can berechargeable. The battery can be user replaceable or non-userreplaceable.

The apparatus 101 can receive power from power supply 114. The powersupply can have many unique features necessary for correct operationwithin the automotive environment. One mode is to supple a small amountof power (typically less than 100 microamps) to at least one mastercontroller that can control all the other power buses inside of the VTU101. In an exemplary system, a low power low dropout linear regulatorsupplies this power to PCS/Cellular modem 102. This provides the staticpower to maintain internal functions so that it can await external userpush-button inputs or await CAN activity via vehicle interface 111. Uponreceipt of an external stimulus via either a manual push button or CANactivity, the processor contained within the PCS/Cellular modem 102 cancontrol the power supply 114 to activate other functions within the VTU101, such as GPS 104/GYRO 105, Processor 106/Memory 107 and 108, SDARSreceiver 103, audio/video entertainment system 109, audio codec mux 110,and any other peripheral within the VTU 101 that does not requirestandby power.

In an exemplary system, there can be a plurality of power supply states.One state can be a state of full power and operation, selected when thevehicle is operating. Another state can be a full power relying onbattery backup. It can be desirable to turn off the GPS and any othernon-communication related subsystem while operating on the back-upbatteries. Another state can be when the vehicle has been shut offrecently, perhaps within the last 30 days, and the system maintainscommunications with a two-way wireless network for various auxiliaryservices like remote door unlocking and location determination messages.After the recent shut down period, it is desirable to conserve thevehicle battery by turning off almost all power except the absoluteminimum in order to maintain system time of day clocks and otherfunctions, waiting to be awakened on CAN activity. Additional powerstates are contemplated, such as a low power wakeup to check for networkmessages, but these are nonessential features to the operation of theVTU.

Normal operation can comprise, for example, the PCS/Cellular modem 102waiting for an emergency pushbutton key-press or CAN activity. Onceeither is detected, the PCS/Cellular modem 102 can awaken and enable thepower supply 114 as required. Shutdown can be similar wherein a firstlevel shutdown turns off everything except the PCS/Cellular modem 102,for example. The PCS/Cellular modem 102 can maintain wireless networkcontact during this state of operation. The VTU 101 can operate normallyin the state when the vehicle is turned off. If the vehicle is off foran extended period of time, perhaps over a vacation etc., thePCS/Cellular modem 102 can be dropped to a very low power state where itno longer maintains contact with the wireless network.

Additionally, in FIG. 1, subsystems can include a BlueTooth transceiver115 that can be provided to interface with devices such as phones,headsets, music players, and telematics user interfaces. The apparatuscan comprise one or more user inputs, such as emergency button 117 andnon-emergency button 118. Emergency button 117 can be coupled to theprocessor 106. The emergency button 117 can be located in a vehiclecockpit and activated an occupant of the vehicle. Activation of theemergency button 117 can cause processor 106 to initiate a voice anddata connection from the vehicle to a central monitoring station, alsoreferred to as a remote call center. Data such as GPS location andoccupant personal information can be transmitted to the call center. Thevoice connection permits two way voice communication between a vehicleoccupant and a call center operator. The call center operator can havelocal emergency responders dispatched to the vehicle based on the datareceived. In another embodiment, the connections are made from thevehicle to an emergency responder center.

One or more non-emergency buttons 118 can be coupled to the processor106. One or more non-emergency buttons 118 can be located in a vehiclecockpit and activated by an occupant of the vehicle. Activation of theone or more non-emergency buttons 118 can cause processor 106 toinitiate a voice and data connection from the vehicle to a remote callcenter. Data such as GPS location and occupant personal information canbe transmitted to the call center. The voice connection permits two wayvoice communications between a vehicle occupant and a call centeroperator. The call center operator can provide location based servicesto the vehicle occupant based on the data received and the vehicleoccupant's desires. For example, a button can provide a vehicle occupantwith a link to roadside assistance services such as towing, spare tirechanging, refueling, and the like. In another embodiment, a button canprovide a vehicle occupant with concierge-type services, such as localrestaurants, their locations, and contact information; local serviceproviders their locations, and contact information; travel relatedinformation such as flight and train schedules; and the like.

For any voice communication made through the VTU 101, text-to-speechalgorithms can be used so as to convey predetermined messages inaddition to or in place of a vehicle occupant speaking. This allows forcommunication when the vehicle occupant is unable or unwilling tocommunicate vocally.

In an aspect, apparatus 101 can be coupled to a telematics userinterface located remote from the apparatus. For example, the telematicsuser interface can be located in the cockpit of a vehicle in view ofvehicle occupants while the apparatus 101 is located under thedashboard, behind a kick panel, in the engine compartment, in the trunk,or generally out of sight of vehicle occupants.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary telematicsnavigation system 200 showing network connectivity between variouscomponents. The telematics navigation system 200 can comprise a VTU 101located in a motor vehicle 201. The telematics navigation system 200 cancomprise a mobile communication device 207. Mobile communication devicecan be a pager, a cellular phone, a PDA, a laptop, and the like. Thetelematics navigation system 200 can comprise a central monitoringstation 202. The central monitoring station 202 can serve as a marketspecific data gatekeeper. That is, users 203 can pull information fromspecific, multiple or all markets at any given time for immediateanalysis. The distributed computing model has no single point ofcomplete system failure, thus minimizing telematics navigation system200 downtime. In an embodiment, central monitoring station 202 cancommunicate through an existing communications network (e.g., wirelesstowers 204 and communications network 205) with the VTU 101 and themobile communication device 207. In another embodiment, the VTU 101 cancommunicate directly with the mobile communication device 207.Telematics navigation system 200 can comprise at least one satellite 206from which GPS data are determined. These signals can be received by aGPS receiver in the vehicle 201.

The telematics navigation system 200 can comprise a plurality of users203 (governments, corporations, individuals, and the like) which canaccess telematics navigation system 200 using a computer or other suchcomputing device, running a commercially available Web browser or clientsoftware. For simplicity, FIG. 2 shows only one user 203. The users 203can connect to the telematics navigation system 200 via thecommunications network 205. In an embodiment, communications network 205can comprise the Internet.

The telematics navigation system 200 can comprise a central monitoringstation 202 which can comprise one or more central monitoring stationservers. In some aspects, one or more central monitoring station serverscan serve as the “back-bone” (i.e., system processing) of the presenttelematics navigation system 200. One skilled in the art will appreciatethat telematics navigation system 200 can utilize servers (anddatabases) physically located on one or more computers and at one ormore locations. Central monitoring station server can comprise softwarecode logic that is responsible for handling tasks such as routedetermination, traffic analysis, map data storage, location datastorage, POI data storage, data interpretations, statistics processing,data preparation and compression for output to VTU 101, and interactiveroute planning, location and POI searching, and the like, for output tousers 203. In an embodiment, user 203 can host a server (also referredto as a remote host) that can perform similar functions as a centralmonitoring station server. In an embodiment of the present telematicsnavigation system 200, central monitoring station servers and/or remotehost servers, can have access to a repository database which can be acentral store for a portion of or all information within the telematicsnavigation system 200 (e.g., executable code, map, location, POIinformation, subscriber information such as login names, passwords,etc., and vehicle and demographics related data).

In an aspect, central monitoring station 202 can provide updates to theVTU 101 including, but not limited to, map updates, POI updates, routingsoftware updates, and the like.

Central monitoring station servers and/or a remote host server can alsoprovide a “front-end” for the telematics navigation system 200. That is,a central monitoring station server can comprise a Web server forproviding a Web site which sends out Web pages in response to requestsfrom remote browsers (i.e., users 203 or customers of users 203). Morespecifically, a central monitoring station server and/or a remote hostserver can provide a graphical user interface (GUI) “front-end” to users203 of the telematics navigation system 200 in the form of Web pages.These Web pages, when sent to the user PC (or the like), can result inGUI screens being displayed.

An exemplary web interface is illustrated in FIG. 3 that can supplynavigation solutions to consumers in a useful and attractive format.Users/consumers can enter default locations, destinations, plan routes,edit routes, search for Points of Interest (POIs), create POIs, set uppreferred daily routes, check traffic, and the like, through theweb-interface. In another embodiment, data can be input from a mobilecommunication device through interactive voice response (IVR), email,Short Message Service (SMS) text message, and the like. In anotherembodiment, data can be input from an in-vehicle interface such as atouchscreen, headunit, IVR, keyboard, keypad, and the like. Any or allof the data input and/or generated by the features described hereinincluding but not limited to, locations, routes, and the like can beuploaded to the internet, stored for display on a web-site, and/or sentto the vehicle owner (or other approved party) by any known method ofcommunication.

In one aspect, an exemplary flow and operation of the telematicsnavigation system 200 can be as follows. A user 203 can log in to awebsite, such as the one depicted in FIG. 3. The user can utilize thewebsite to enter and store destinations, such as favorite destinations,default destinations, and the like. The user can utilize the website toplan a route between two or more locations. In planning the route, theuser can specify one or more routing preferences such as fastest route,avoid tolls, indicate POIs, show estimated time of arrival (ETA), showweather and the like. The user 203 can further specify trafficpreferences, such as an area of interest for traffic. The VTU 101 cantransmit to the central monitoring station 202 a history of locationsthat the vehicle 201 has been, either automatically or by user 203request. The history of locations can be provided to the user 203 foruse in route planning.

The user 203 can plan one or more routes between stored destinations,between newly entered destinations, or between a newly entereddestination and a stored destination. Once a route has been generated,the user 203 can modify the route. If the user 203 is satisfied with theroute, the user 203 can have data transmitted to the VTU 101. In anaspect, the user 203, does not have to plan a route to transmit data tothe VTU 101. In an aspect, the user 203 can have one or moredestinations transmitted, one or more routes transmitted, one or morepoints of interest transmitted, traffic data transmitted, weather datatransmitted, and combinations thereof. A route can be determined at aserver of the central monitoring station 202 and/or at the VTU 101.

In another aspect, a user can utilize a mobile communication device 207to transmit destination information, POI information and the like tocentral monitoring station 202 through a wireless link to communicationsnetwork 205. The transmission can be, for example, via voice, SMS,email, and the like. The central monitoring station 202 can receive theinformation, and transmit the information to the VTU 101. Additionally,the central monitoring station can determine routing information fromthe destination and/or POI information received from the mobilecommunication device 207 and transmit routing information to the VTU101. In another aspect, a user can utilize a mobile communication device207 to transmit destination information, POI information and the likedirectly to the VTU 101, for example, through an RF link, Bluetoothlink, infrared link, wired link and the like. The VTU 101 can utilizedthe information to perform navigation functions, or the VTU 101 canrelay the information to the central monitoring station 202.

In another aspect, a user can utilize an in-vehicle interface totransmit destination information, POI information and the like tocentral monitoring station 202 through a wireless link to communicationsnetwork 205. The in-vehicle interface can be, for example, atouchscreen, a headunit, IVR, a keypad, a keyboard, and the like.

The central monitoring station 202, or similar host, can prepare thedata for transmission as one or more packets. A packet can be sentthrough communications network 205 and ultimately via a wireless link tothe VTU 101. There, the data can be stored and made available to avehicle occupant. A vehicle occupant can access the data through, forexample, a touchscreen, a headunit, an IVR system, a keypad, a keyboardand the like.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary process flow for accessing navigationdata stored on the VTU 101 through an IVR. A vehicle occupant can pressa button to initiate the process. A prerecorded voice can provide thevehicle occupant with menu options. Upon hearing the desired menuoption, the user can press the button again. For example, a vehicleoccupant can opt to “Proceed to a Saved Destination”. Upon receiving theselection, the system can provide the vehicle occupant a listing ofsaved destinations. After the vehicle occupant selects a saveddestination, the system can determine the vehicle's current location anddetermine a route to the selected destination. The route can bedetermined on-board the VTU 101 or off-board at central monitoringstation 202 or similar host. Similarly, a vehicle occupant can obtaintraffic information from central monitoring station 202 or similar host.

In another aspect, the user 203 can establish a preferred daily routethrough the web site. The user 203 can setup a plurality of routesbetween two locations, a starting location and a destination. Forexample, between Home and Work, between Work and Home, between Work andGym, and between Gym and Home, and the like. Examples are shown in theinterface of FIG. 3. The user 203 can further establish a timeframewithin which the user 203 intends to initiate travel between two of thelocations. When the vehicle 201 is started at one of the startinglocations within the timeframe establish for the starting location, thesystem can determine which of the plurality of routes has the lowest ETAbased one or more of a plurality of factors (i.e. the “preferred dailyroute”). The plurality of factors can include, but are not limited to,traffic, construction, weather, and the like. The preferred daily routecan be determined on-board by retrieving one or more of the plurality offactors from central monitoring station 202 or similar host. In anotheraspect, the preferred daily route can be determined off-board by centralmonitoring station 202 or similar host, and transmitted to the VTU 101.

As described above, VTU 101 can communicate with one or more computers,either through direct wireless communication and/or through a networksuch as the Internet. Such communication can facilitate data transfer,voice communication, and the like. One skilled in the art willappreciate that what follows is a functional description of an exemplarycomputing device and that various functions can be performed bysoftware, by hardware, or by any combination of software and hardware.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary operatingenvironment for performing the disclosed methods, for example, a server,or other computing device, at a remote host or a central monitoringstation. This exemplary operating environment is only an example of anoperating environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation asto the scope of use or functionality of operating environmentarchitecture. Neither should the operating environment be interpreted ashaving any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combinationof components illustrated in the exemplary operating environment.

The methods and systems can be operational with numerous other generalpurpose or special purpose computing system environments orconfigurations. Examples of well known computing systems, environments,and/or configurations that can be suitable for use with the system andmethod comprise, but are not limited to, personal computers, servercomputers, laptop devices, and multiprocessor systems. Additionalexamples comprise set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics,network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computingenvironments that comprise any of the above systems or devices, and thelike.

In another aspect, the methods and systems can be described in thegeneral context of computer instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer. Generally, program modules comprise routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Themethods and systems can also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules can be located in both local and remotecomputer storage media including memory storage devices.

Further, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the systems andmethods disclosed herein can be implemented via a general-purposecomputing device in the form of a computer 501. The components of thecomputer 501 can comprise, but are not limited to, one or moreprocessors or processing units 503, a system memory 512, and a systembus 513 that couples various system components including the processor503 to the system memory 512.

The system bus 513 represents one or more of several possible types ofbus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, aperipheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or localbus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, sucharchitectures can comprise an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, aVideo Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, an AcceleratedGraphics Port (AGP) bus, and a Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI)bus, PCI-Express bus, Universal Serial Bus (USB), and the like. The bus513, and all buses specified in this description can also be implementedover a wired or wireless network connection and each of the subsystems,including the processor 503, a mass storage device 504, an operatingsystem 505, navigation software 506, navigation data 507, a networkadapter (or communications interface) 508, system memory 512, anInput/Output Interface 510, a display adapter 509, a display device 511,and a human machine interface 502, can be contained within one or moreremote computing devices 514 a,b,c at physically separate locations,connected through buses of this form, in effect implementing a fullydistributed system. In one aspect, a remote computing device can be aVTU 101.

The computer 501 typically comprises a variety of computer readablemedia. Exemplary readable media can be any available media that isaccessible by the computer 501 and comprises, for example and not meantto be limiting, both volatile and non-volatile media, removable andnon-removable media. The system memory 512 comprises computer readablemedia in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory(RAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM). Thesystem memory 512 typically contains data such as navigation data 507and/or program modules such as operating system 505 and navigationsoftware 506 that are immediately accessible to and/or are presentlyoperated on by the processing unit 503. Navigation data 507 can compriseany data generated by, generated for, received from, or sent to the VTU101.

In another aspect, the computer 501 can also comprise otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer storage media.By way of example, FIG. 5 illustrates a mass storage device 504 whichcan provide non-volatile storage of computer code, computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for thecomputer 501. For example and not meant to be limiting, a mass storagedevice 504 can be a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a removableoptical disk, magnetic cassettes or other magnetic storage devices,flash memory cards, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, random access memories (RAM), read only memories (ROM),electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and thelike.

Optionally, any number of program modules can be stored on the massstorage device 504, including by way of example, an operating system 505and navigation software 506. Each of the operating system 505 andnavigation software 506 (or some combination thereof) can compriseelements of the programming and the navigation software 506. Navigationdata 507 can also be stored on the mass storage device 504. Navigationdata 507 can be stored in any of one or more databases known in the art.Examples of such databases comprise, DB2®, Microsoft® Access, Microsoft®SQL Server, Oracle®, mySQL, PostgreSQL, and the like. The databases canbe centralized or distributed across multiple systems.

In another aspect, the user can enter commands and information into thecomputer 501 via an input device (not shown). Examples of such inputdevices comprise, but are not limited to, a keyboard, pointing device(e.g., a “mouse”), a microphone, a joystick, a scanner, tactile inputdevices such as gloves, and other body coverings, and the like These andother input devices can be connected to the processing unit 503 via ahuman machine interface 502 that is coupled to the system bus 513, butcan be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as aparallel port, game port, an IEEE 1394 Port (also known as a Firewireport), a serial port, or a universal serial bus (USB).

In yet another aspect, a display device 511 can also be connected to thesystem bus 513 via an interface, such as a display adapter 509. It iscontemplated that the computer 501 can have more than one displayadapter 509 and the computer 501 can have more than one display device511. For example, a display device can be a monitor, an LCD (LiquidCrystal Display), or a projector. In addition to the display device 511,other output peripheral devices can comprise components such as speakers(not shown) and a printer (not shown) which can be connected to thecomputer 501 via Input/Output Interface 510. Any step and/or result ofthe methods can be output in any form to an output device. Such outputcan be any form of visual representation, including, but not limited to,textual, graphical, animation, audio, tactile, and the like.

The computer 501 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote computing devices 514 a,b,c. By way ofexample, a remote computing device can be a personal computer, portablecomputer, a server, a router, a network computer, a VTU 101, a PDA, acellular phone, a “smart” phone, a wireless communications enabled keyfob, a peer device or other common network node, and so on. Logicalconnections between the computer 501 and a remote computing device 514a,b,c can be made via a local area network (LAN) and a general wide areanetwork (WAN). Such network connections can be through a network adapter508. A network adapter 508 can be implemented in both wired and wirelessenvironments. Such networking environments are conventional andcommonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets,and the Internet 515. In one aspect, the remote computing device 514a,b,c can be one or more VTU 101's.

For purposes of illustration, application programs and other executableprogram components such as the operating system 505 are illustratedherein as discrete blocks, although it is recognized that such programsand components reside at various times in different storage componentsof the computing device 501, and are executed by the data processor(s)of the computer. An implementation of navigation software 506 can bestored on or transmitted across some form of computer readable media.Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessedby a computer. By way of example and not meant to be limiting, computerreadable media can comprise “computer storage media” and “communicationsmedia.” “Computer storage media” comprise volatile and non-volatile,removable and non-removable media implemented in any method ortechnology for storage of information such as computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Exemplarycomputer storage media comprises, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM,EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digitalversatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,or any other medium which can be used to store the desired informationand which can be accessed by a computer.

The processing of the disclosed methods and systems can be performed bysoftware components. The disclosed system and method can be described inthe general context of computer-executable instructions, such as programmodules, being executed by one or more computers or other devices.Generally, program modules comprise computer code, routines, programs,objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasksor implement particular abstract data types. The disclosed methods canalso be practiced in grid-based and distributed computing environmentswhere tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linkedthrough a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules can be located in both local and remotecomputer storage media including memory storage devices.

As used herein in the method descriptions that follow, in certainembodiments, “in-vehicle system” can comprise a system that is installedin a vehicle, either at a factory, dealer, or by the user. In otherembodiments, “in-vehicle system” can comprise components and systemsthat can be used outside of a vehicle. In various embodiments, thein-vehicle system can comprise a telematics device, a navigation system,an infotainment system, combinations thereof, and the like. The “remotehost” can be a central monitoring station, or other host that maintainscomputing and communications systems configured for carrying out themethods.

In an aspect, illustrated in FIG. 6, provided are methods fornavigation, comprising receiving, at a remote host, a desireddestination from a user at 601, receiving, at the remote host, a userlocation at 602, determining, at the remote host, a route from the userlocation to the desired location at 603, and sending, from the remotehost, the route to an in-vehicle system at 604. The methods can furthercomprise outputting a visual representation of the route to a displaydevice.

Receiving, at a remote host, a desired destination from a user cancomprise one or more of, receiving the desired destination through awebsite, through an SMS text message, through an email, or through anin-vehicle input device.

Determining, at the remote host, a route from the user location to thedesired location further can comprise presenting the route to the userfor editing. Determining, at the remote host, a route from the userlocation to the desired location further can comprise incorporatingtraffic data into the route determination.

In another aspect, illustrated in FIG. 7, provided are methods fornavigation, comprising receiving, at a remote host, a desireddestination from a user at 701 and sending, from the remote host, thedesired destination to an in-vehicle system at 702. The methods canfurther comprise outputting a visual representation of the desireddestination to a display device.

Receiving, at a remote host, a desired destination from a user cancomprise one or more of, receiving the desired destination through awebsite, through an SMS text message, through an email, or through anin-vehicle input device.

Sending, from the remote host, the desired destination to an in-vehiclesystem can comprise transmitting the desired destination over one ormore of, a cellular network, an IP network, a satellite network.Sending, from the remote host, the desired destination to an in-vehiclesystem can comprise transmitting the desired destination through an SMStext message or through an email.

In an aspect, illustrated in FIG. 8, provided are methods fornavigation, comprising receiving, at an in-vehicle system, a desiredroute from a remote host at 801 and providing the desired route to auser at 802.

Receiving, at an in-vehicle system, a desired route from a remote hostcan comprise one or more of, receiving the desired route through an SMStext message or through an email. Receiving, at an in-vehicle system, adesired route from a remote host can comprise receiving the desiredroute over one or more of, a cellular network, an IP network, asatellite network.

Providing the desired route to the user can comprise outputting a visualrepresentation of the desired route to a display device. Providing thedesired route to the user can comprise providing the desired route tothe user in response to a user command.

In an aspect, illustrated in FIG. 9, provided are methods fornavigation, comprising receiving, at an in-vehicle system, a desireddestination from a remote host at 901, determining a user location at902, determining a route from the user location to the desired locationat 903, and providing the route to the user at 904.

Receiving, at an in-vehicle system, a desired destination from a remotehost can comprise one or more of, receiving the desired destinationthrough an SMS text message or through an email.

Receiving, at an in-vehicle system, a desired destination from a remotehost can comprise receiving the desired destination over one or more of,a cellular network, an IP network, a satellite network.

Determining a user location can comprise determining the user locationwith a GPS system. Providing the route to the user can compriseoutputting a visual representation of the route to a display device.Providing the route to the user can comprise providing the route to theuser in response to a user command.

In an aspect, illustrated in FIG. 10, provided are methods fornavigation, comprising receiving, at a remote host, a starting location,a desired destination, and a time frame at 1001, determining, at theremote host, a plurality of routes from the starting location to thedesired destination at 1002, receiving, at the remote host, a requestsignal from an in-vehicle device at the starting location and within thetime frame at 1003, determining, at the remote host, traffic conditionsfor the plurality of routes, resulting in a route with a lowestestimated time of arrival (ETA) at 1004, and sending, from the remotehost, the route with the lowest ETA to the in-vehicle system. Themethods can further comprise providing the route with the lowest ETA toa user at 1005.

The starting location can be a home location, the desired destinationcan be a work location, and the time frame can be from about 7:00 AM toabout 9:00 AM. The predetermined time frame can be any time frame,including but not limited to 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM, 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM,5:00 AM to 8:00 AM, and the like.

Receiving, at the remote host, a starting location, a desireddestination, and a time frame can comprise receiving the startinglocation, the desired destination, and the time frame through a website.

Determining, at the remote host, a plurality of routes from the startinglocation to the desired destination can comprise determining routesutilizing at least one different roadway.

Receiving, at the remote host, a request signal from an in-vehicledevice at the starting location and within the time frame can comprisereceiving the request signal from a vehicle telematics unit. Receiving,at the remote host, a request signal from an in-vehicle device at thestarting location and within the time frame can comprise receiving therequest signal through an SMS text message or through an email.

In an aspect, illustrated in FIG. 11, provided are methods fornavigation, comprising sending, from an in-vehicle system, a requestsignal to a remote host, wherein the request signal comprises a locationof the in-vehicle system and a timestamp at 1101, receiving, at thein-vehicle system, a route to a predetermined destination, wherein theroute is one of a plurality of routes and the route received is the oneof the plurality of routes with the lowest ETA at the predetermineddestination at 1102, and providing the route to a user at 1103.

The location can be a home location and the time stamp can be between apredetermined time frame. The predetermined time frame can be any timeframe, including but not limited to 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM, 6:00 AM to 7:00AM, 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM, and the like. Receiving, at the in-vehiclesystem, a route to a predetermined destination can comprise receivingthe route over one or more of, a cellular network, an IP network, asatellite network. Receiving, at the in-vehicle system, a route to apredetermined destination can comprise receiving the route through anSMS text message or through an email. Providing the route to the usercan comprise outputting a visual representation of the route to adisplay device.

In an aspect, illustrated in FIG. 12, provided are methods fornavigation, comprising requesting a release version of a map databaseand a point of interest database from a navigation system at 1201,determining if the requested release version is a current releaseversion at 1202, and sending the current release version of the mapdatabase and the point of interest database to the navigation system ifthe requested release version is not the current release version at1203.

The methods can be performed automatically on a predetermined timeperiod. For example, the predetermined time period can be every week,every month, every six months, every year, and the like. The navigationsystem can comprise an in-vehicle navigation system.

Sending the current release version of the map database and the point ofinterest database to the navigation system can comprise transmittingdata that changed between releases. Sending the current release versionof the map database and the point of interest database can comprisesending over one or more of, a cellular network, an IP network, asatellite network.

Requesting a release version of a map database and a point of interestdatabase from a navigation system can comprise requesting over one ormore of, a cellular network, an IP network, a satellite network.

In an aspect, illustrated in FIG. 13, provided are methods fornavigation, comprising requesting a current release version of a mapdatabase and a point of interest database from a remote host at 1301,determining if the current release version is a release version on anavigation system at 1302, and receiving the current release version ofthe map database and the point of interest database if the currentrelease version is not the release version on the navigation system at1303.

The methods can be performed automatically on a predetermined timeperiod. For example, the predetermined time period can be every week,every month, every six months, every year, and the like. The navigationsystem can comprise an in-vehicle navigation system.

Sending the current release version of the map database and the point ofinterest database to the navigation system can comprise transmittingdata that changed between releases.

Requesting a current release version of a map database and a point ofinterest database from a remote host can comprise requesting over one ormore of, a cellular network, an IP network, a satellite network.

Receiving the current release version of the map database and the pointof interest database can comprise receiving over one or more of, acellular network, an IP network, a satellite network.

In another aspect, illustrated in FIG. 14, provided is an apparatus fortelematics navigation, comprising an optional vehicle interface 1401,coupled to a vehicle bus 1402, wherein the vehicle interface 1401 isconfigured to receive data through the vehicle bus 1402, a wirelesstransceiver 1403, and a processor 1404, coupled to the vehicle interface1401 and the wireless transceiver 1403, wherein the processor 1404 iswherein the processor is configured performing methods disclosed herein.The apparatus can further comprise a location determining unit, such asa GPS transceiver, coupled to the processor 1404. The apparatus canfurther comprise an output device coupled to the processor 1404,configured for displaying a visual representation of locations,destinations, routes, points of interest, maps, weather, traffic,combinations thereof, and the like. The wireless transceiver 1403 can beconfigured for transmitting data to a remote host, such as a centralmonitoring station and the like. The apparatus can be configured invarious modalities for accomplishing the methods disclosed herein.

In one aspect, provided is an apparatus for telematics navigation,comprising a wireless transceiver, configured for receiving a desiredroute and a processor, coupled to the wireless transceiver, wherein theprocessor is configured for providing the desired route to a user.

In another aspect, provided is an apparatus for telematics navigation,comprising a wireless transceiver, configured for receiving a desireddestination a location determining unit, configured for determining auser location, and a processor, coupled to the wireless transceiver andthe location determining unit, wherein the processor is configured fordetermining a route from the user location to the desired location andproviding the desired route to a user.

In a further aspect, provided is an apparatus for telematics navigation,comprising a location determining unit, configured for determining auser location, a wireless transceiver, configured for sending a requestsignal comprising the user location and a timestamp to a remote host andreceiving a route, and a processor, coupled to the wireless transceiverand the location determining unit, wherein the processor is configuredfor providing the timestamp and the user location to the wirelesstransceiver and providing the desired route to a user.

In another aspect, provided is an apparatus for telematics navigation,comprising a wireless transceiver, configured for requesting andreceiving a current release version of a map database and a point ofinterest database from a remote server and a processor, coupled to thewireless transceiver, wherein the processor is configured for initiatinga request for the current release version, determining if the currentrelease version is a release version on a navigation system, andreceiving the current release version of the map database and the pointof interest database if the current release version is not the releaseversion on the navigation system.

In another aspect, illustrated in FIG. 15, provided is a system fortelematics navigation, comprising a user computing device 1501configured for communicating with a remote host 1502, an apparatus 1503,configured for communicating with the remote host 1502. In certainembodiments, the apparatus 1503 can be a telematics device such as avehicle telematics unit. In other embodiments, the apparatus 1503 can bea navigation system. In further embodiments, the apparatus 1503 can be avehicle telematics unit and a navigation system. The user computingdevice 1501, the remote host 1502, and the apparatus 1503 can each beconfigured in various modalities for accomplishing the methods disclosedherein. The user computing device 1501 can be, for example, a pager, acellular phone, a PDA, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, and thelike. The user computing device 1501 can be configured for providing aninterface to the user, such as a website, a text message entry screen,an email entry screen, and the like. The remote host 1502 can be acentral monitoring station and the like. Communications between systemcomponents can be over a cellular network, an IP network, a satellitenetwork and the like.

In one aspect, provided is a system for telematics navigation,comprising a user computing device, configured for providing aninterface for a user to provide a user location and a desireddestination and sending the desired destination to a remote host, atelematics device, configured for receiving a route, and a remote host,configured for receiving the desired destination and the user location,determining a route from the user location to the desired location, andsending the route to the telematics device.

In another aspect, provided is a system for telematics navigation,comprising a user computing device, configured for providing aninterface for a user to provide a desired destination and sending thedesired destination to a remote host, a telematics device, configuredfor determining a user location, sending the user location to a remotehost, and receiving a route, and a remote host, configured for receivingthe desired destination and the user location, determining a route fromthe user location to the desired location, and sending the route to thetelematics device.

In an aspect, provided is a system for telematics navigation, comprisinga user computing device, configured for providing an interface for auser to provide a desired destination and sending the desireddestination to a remote host, a telematics device, configured forreceiving the desired destination, and a remote host, configured forreceiving the desired destination and sending the desired destination tothe telematics device.

In a further aspect, provided is a system for telematics navigation,comprising a user computing device, configured for providing aninterface for a user to provide a starting location, a desireddestination, and a time frame and sending the starting location, thedesired destination, and the time frame to a remote host, a telematicsdevice, configured for sending a request signal comprising a userlocation and a timestamp to a remote host and receiving a route, and aremote host, configured for receiving the starting location, the desireddestination, and the time frame, determining a plurality of routes fromthe starting location to the desired destination, receiving the requestsignal from the telematics device, determining traffic conditions forthe plurality of routes, resulting in a route with a lowest estimatedtime of arrival (ETA), and sending the route with the lowest ETA to thetelematics device.

In another aspect, provided is a system for telematics navigation,comprising a navigation system, configured for determining a releaseversion of a map database and a point of interest database and providingthe release version to a remote host and a remote host, configured forrequesting the release version of the map database and the point ofinterest database from the navigation system, determining if therequested release version is a current release version, and sending thecurrent release version of the map database and the point of interestdatabase to the navigation system if the requested release version isnot the current release version.

While the methods, systems, and apparatuses have been described inconnection with preferred embodiments and specific examples, it is notintended that the scope be limited to the particular embodiments setforth, as the embodiments herein are intended in all respects to beillustrative rather than restrictive.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps beperformed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim doesnot actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is nototherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that thesteps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended thatan order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possiblenon-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic withrespect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaningderived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or typeof embodiments described in the specification.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made without departing from thescope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosedherein. It is intended that the specification and examples be consideredas exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by thefollowing claims.

1. A method for navigation, comprising: receiving at a remote host oneor more preselected routes corresponding to one of one or more timeframes; receiving, at the remote host, a current user location;determining at the remote host a route, from the one or more preselectedroutes, based on the current user location and a current time, whereinthe determined route corresponds to a time frame that encompasses thecurrent time; and sending, from the remote host, the determined route toan in-vehicle system.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining aroute further comprises presenting the route to the user for editing. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein determining, a route further comprisesincorporating traffic data into the route determination.
 4. A method fornavigation, comprising: receiving, at a remote host, a current locationof a vehicle; determining, at the remote host, one route from aplurality of routes that corresponds to a time frame that encompasses acurrent time; upon receiving, at the remote host, a request signal froman in-vehicle device of the vehicle, determining, at the remote host,traffic conditions for the plurality of routes, wherein the remote hostuses the determined traffic conditions to determine the one route fromthe plurality of routes, resulting in a route with a lowest estimatedtime of arrival (ETA) of the plurality of routes; and sending, from theremote host, the determined route with the lowest ETA to the in-vehiclesystem.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the current location is a homelocation, a desired destination is a work location based on the currenttime falling within the time frame of about 7:00 AM to about 9:00 AM. 6.The method of claim 4, wherein determining, at the remote host, the oneroute from the plurality of routes from the current location comprisesanalyzing routes over different roadways.
 7. The method of claim 4,wherein receiving, at the remote host, a request signal from anin-vehicle device at the current location and within the time framecomprises receiving the request signal from a vehicle telematics unit.8. A method for navigation, comprising: sending, from an in-vehiclesystem, a request signal to a remote host, wherein the request signalcomprises a current location of the in-vehicle system and a timestamp;receiving; at the in-vehicle system, a route to a predetermineddestination, wherein the route is one of a plurality of routes thatcorresponds to a time frame that encompasses the timestamp and the routereceived is the one of the plurality of routes with the lowest ETA tothe predetermined destination; and providing the route to a user.
 9. Themethod of claim 8, wherein the current location is a home location. 10.The method of claim 8, wherein receiving, at the in-vehicle system, aroute to a predetermined destination comprises receiving the route overone or more of, a cellular network, an IP network, a satellite network.11. The method of claim 8, wherein receiving, at the in-vehicle system,a route to a predetermined destination comprises receiving the routethrough an SMS text message or through an email.
 12. The method of claim8, wherein providing the route to the user comprises outputting a visualrepresentation of the route to a display device.
 13. A system fortelematics navigation, comprising: a user computing device, configuredfor providing an interface for a user to provide a desired destination,a starting location, a corresponding time frame, and at least oneroadway that should be used in determining a route, and for sending sameto a remote host; a telematics device, configured for determining acurrent location, sending the current location to a remote host, andreceiving a route; and a remote host, configured for receiving thecurrent location, determining a route from the current location and acurrent time, and sending the route to the telematics device.
 14. Asystem for telematics navigation, comprising: a user computing device,configured for providing an interface for a user to provide a startinglocation, a desired destination, and a time frame and sending thestarting location, the desired destination, and the time frame to aremote host; a telematics device, configured for sending a requestsignal comprising a current location and a timestamp to a remote hostand receiving a route; and a remote host, configured for receiving thestarting location, the desired destination, and the time frame, fordetermining a plurality of routes from the starting location to thedesired destination, and for associating the determined plurality ofroutes with the time frame, receiving the request signal from thetelematics device, determining traffic conditions for the plurality ofroutes, determining a route from the plurality of routes correspondingto a time frame that encompasses the time stamp having a lowestestimated time of arrival (ETA) of the plurality of routes based on thedetermined traffic conditions, and sending the route with the lowest ETAto the telematics device.